Discovery of pipe bomb causes chaos in Glengormley

Police and Army Technical Officers were called to the scene at Ballycraigy Road shortly before 11am on Wednesday morning.

A number of householders were evacuated from their homes and parts of the Ballycraigy Road and Ballyclare Road were closed to traffic while ATO examined the device.

The security alert ended at around 3.45pm when roads were reopened and residents were allowed to return home.

The pipe bomb has been taken away for further examination and police officers are investigating.

Condemning those responsible for the incident, Alliance Alderman John Blair said: “I am outraged that a pipe bomb was left in a residential area. Those responsible have no regard for the lives of other people. Anybody could have been killed had it exploded. Much distress has been caused to those in the area.

“I would like to praise the actions of the police and Army officers who dealt with this device. Their bravery stands in stark contrast to the evil intentions of those who left this bomb in a residential area.

“Those responsible must be urgently apprehended by the police, so I would urge anybody with any information to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers.”

Councillor Mark Cosgrove, Antrim and Newtownabbey Council Ulster Unionist Party group leader, added: “It is totally unacceptable that people should be inconvenienced and have their lives disrupted in this manner. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone engaging in this type of reckless and dangerous activity and it is a relief that no-one was injured or even killed by what was a viable device.”

South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan said: “I unreservedly condemn whoever was responsible for this incident. Once again innocent people have had their daily routine affected and their lives put in danger by criminals who simply must be caught.

“I would like to praise the security forces for their prompt and efficient action and I urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Ashford Lodge area, or who can assist the police to catch those responsible, to please come forward immediately and ensure that these events are not repeated.”